Introduction: Find the effect of alcohol (.1mg/kg) I.V. on the sinus and atrioventricular nodes in mongrel dogs.
Methods: The sinus node function was evaluated by the (SART) and the (AVN) by the highest atrial pacing rate at which Wenckebach (W) periodicity developed. 3 groups (G) were evaluated.
Results: The alcohol concentration of each (G) were as follows: GI (Low Concentration), .063±.012 mg%; GII (Medium Concentration), .118±.026 mg%; and GIII (High Concentration) .240±.052 mg%. GI showed a 16% lengthening in SART (P<.05); GII, a 22% lengthening <.01); and GIII, a 45% lengthening (P<.005). The average percent reduction in (W) rate was: no change in Group I; 32% in GII (P<.05); and 41% in GIII (P<.005). The reduction in the heart rate was of 5.7% in GI (N.S.), 9.8% in GII is <.01), and 14.4% in GIII (P<.05). Atrial fibrillation developed at the highest concentration of alcohol. Autonomic blockade prevented these changes.
Conclusions: Alcohol produced a sick sinus-like syndrome and its arrhythmias.